Morrisville mayor wants gun law change

The mayor of Morrisvile is calling on the town staff to review a new gun law.

As of Oct. 1, permit holders are allowed to carry a concealed weapon onto playgrounds, local greenways, and playing fields. Under the new law, concealed weapons are not allowed during specific times on sports field where a town-sponsored event is taking place.

Morrisville Mayor Jackie Holcombe says there is no similar restriction for public playgrounds. She said families no longer feel safe, and she wants to do something about it.

"Accidents happen, and families know they happen. And they would like for us to lessen the risk so that their children can play safely on playgrounds," Holcombe said.

Holcombe has asked Morrisville staff for a review.

"I think that's what's appropriate is if there's a compromise here to look for it, because families are concerned. There's no doubt about it," Holcombe said.

Some council members don't agree with the request. Council member Mark Stohlman says the town has a duty to protect the rights of permit holders now that the state law is in effect.

"These are law-abiding citizens. They have a valid concealed permit. I think everyone has the right to be in parks," Stohlman said.

Stohlman says he would rather the council focus on local issues as the November election creeps closer.

"We have to work with the state on an awful lot of issues, and for us to be bringing this up is something we don't agree with. It's really not making Morrisville look very cooperative," Stohlman said.

As of today, Morrisville is out of compliance with the new state law. Town council members will vote on the new revisions next week.

In the meantime, state law trumps town ordinances. Morrisville Police Chief Ira Jones told ABC11 bringing concealed weapons onto public playgrounds is legal.